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New chair for Yong Siew Toh Conservatory

Mr Tomlin (right) will succeed Mr Goh as Chairman of the YST Governing Board from 1 November 2018

Mr Robert Tomlin, Vice Chairman of Lepercq de Neuflize Asia Pte Ltd, has been appointed Chairman of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST) Governing Board from 1 November 2018. He will succeed Mr Goh Yew Lin, Managing Director of G.K. Goh Holdings Ltd, who has served as founding Chairman of the Conservatory since 2002.

Mr Tomlin joined the YST Governing Board in 2003 and has served as its Deputy Chairman since 2008. He was formerly with UBS Investment Bank, Singapore from 2000 to 2009, where he held various positions, including Country Head and Vice Chairman Asia. Prior to this, he worked with the London-based Schröder Group, including 12 years as CEO, Singapore.

A keen supporter of education and the arts in Singapore, and of theatre and music in particular, Mr Tomlin is also Chairman of the Singapore Repertory Theatre and DesignSingapore Council, and a member of the Board of Directors at Lasalle College of the Arts. He has also held numerous directorships in the private sector. For his contributions, he was awarded the Public Service Medal (Friends in Singapore) in the 2015 National Day Awards.

Mr Tomlin obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from the University of Cambridge and Master of Business Administration from Harvard University.

“Having seen the development of YST from its early days on the NUS campus, it is a joy to see what a vibrant and creative institution it has become. The next few years will see YST playing an even greater role in enriching musical possibilities for all students across the university. We are preparing a new generation of music-makers and music-lovers for the 21st century, and it is a great honour to succeed Yew Lin in the role of Chairman,” said Mr Tomlin.

As Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr Goh’s vision and advocacy was crucial in establishing YST as an integral part of NUS and Singapore’s music ecosystem. He was instrumental in helping to secure key funding support, including gifts from the Yong Loo Lin Trust that have been critical to YST’s success.

Mr Goh currently serves as Chairman of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Deputy Chairman of the National Arts Council. He is also a member of the NUS Board of Trustees.

For his contributions to Singapore and the Conservatory, Mr Goh was awarded the Public Service Star in the 2013 National Day Awards, and the Outstanding Service Award in the 2012 NUS University Awards.

Mr Goh thanked partners and friends of the Conservatory who have helped to build YST into a centre of excellence in musical performance and composition, and a place where students can fully develop the breadth and depth of their talents and shape their own futures.

“Thanks to your efforts, our graduates are increasingly taking leading roles in cultural innovation and musical excellence, transforming and enriching Singapore's music ecosystem in so many different ways…I look forward to cheering YST along as it continues to evolve in the coming years, to be a beacon of innovation in the Conservatory world, and to be a vital catalyst for the growth of performance excellence and music appreciation in Singapore,” said Mr Goh.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said that NUS is indebted to Mr Goh for shaping the growth and success of YST. “Under Yew Lin’s exemplary leadership, YST has transformed the cultural landscape of NUS as well as Singapore, and added a distinctive Asian voice that is being heard globally. Today, YST is a leading conservatory with strong regional and international partnerships, and it has also nurtured many outstanding graduates who are making an impact across a range of fields,” he said.

“Mr Robert Tomlin is a familiar face in YST and a dear friend of Singapore, having served the YST Governing Board with passion and dedication over the last 15 years. YST will continue to benefit from Robin’s rich global experience, deep commitment in promoting the arts and strong belief in education. I am confident that Robin will take YST to new heights,” Prof Tan added.

Since its founding, YST has seen 556 graduates over 12 cohorts and 20 majors. It holds around 200 concerts annually, and hosts a community engagement and professional integration programme with extensive reach.

With effect from 1 November 2018, the new YST Governing Board will comprise nine members who have been appointed for a two-year term. Three other Governing Board members — Dr Fred Bronstein, Dean of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, US; Mr Kenneth Kwok, Assistant Chief Executive, Planning & Engagement Group, National Arts Council; and Mr Chan Yoong Han, First Violin Fixed Chair, Singapore Symphony Orchestra — will also step down from the Board in October 2018.